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By Kelly Preston, Globe Correspondent

For many college students, a “proper” spring break is a rite of passage. It is a week to tan, relax, and party with friends, all while escaping the pressures and stresses of mid-semester college life. Although the idea of spring break can be picturesque, to actually plan and execute a successful trip is often a new task for college students.

To begin the planning process, students must decide where their priorities are. Do they want the most for their money? Are they willing to research? Luckily today, students have choices when it comes to planning. They can now let a tour operator iron out all the details for them at a fixed price, or they can book their own trip independently.

What follows are the pros and cons of coordinating a trip through a tour operator such as StudentCity, versus independently arranging and planning your experience, with the help of a travel website such as Expedia.

Currently there are more than 100 Boston College students committed to a 2014 StudentCity spring break in Cancun, Mexico. Regional Sales Manager Nick Fiumefreddo predicts this package and hotel, the Oasis Cancun, will sell out by mid-October. Although this package weighs in at $1,428 (for 5 days and nights,) Fiumefreddo believes there is no comparison, that this package is truly a “deal.”

Looking at the results at the Oasis Cancun on Expedia, a 5-day, 5-night stay will only put a college student $923 in debt. Knowing this price may definitely get students thinking about whether or not StudentCity’s package is really the “deal.”

Matt Moran, a Boston College student who traveled to Cancun last year, called Expedia “easy and affordable” and said it will help guide his vacation to a new destination this year.

A vacation booked through a tour operator is convenient, but it is also costly. A vacation booked independently may require more time to plan, but it has potential to be more flexible and economical. Both are great options, but are dependent on the experience students seek.

Happy planning!

This story was posted as part of a collaboration between Your Campus and Boston College's magazine journalism class.